On Tuesday, January 5, 2016 the City of Charleston launched a new online service that provides Charleston business owners with a convenient way to renew their business licenses. Businesses with existing licenses now have the ability to renew their licenses online directly through the City’s Customer Access Portal at http://charleston-sc.gov/cap. The new online business license renewal system is a password-protected, secure system that can be accessed by businesses that receive a business license renewal notice in the mail. Notices will be mailed the first week of January 2016 and to avoid penalties renewal is required by January 31, 2016.
“This new online service has been a top priority for the City of Charleston. Our goal is to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to conduct business with our City and this is just one of the many things we are working on to facilitate convenience for the Charleston business community,” said Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr.
A City of Charleston business license is required for any organization or person that conducts business within the City, even if the business is physically located outside of city limits or the company or person has a business license from another city.
Most businesses with an existing license can renew online by creating an account which will be verified by City staff within 2 business days. Once accounts are confirmed users will go to http://charleston-sc.gov/cap and enter Gross Receipts from the previous Fiscal Year and Allowable Deductions to complete the renewal. The City accepts the following payment methods: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Once the transaction is complete please print and keep the payment receipt at the business establishment as proof of renewal. The business license certificate will arrive, by mail, within 10-14 days
You may also renew by mail or in person. Visit http://charleston-sc.gov/renewal for the renewal form complete and submit:
| By Mail Revenue Collections Business License P.0. Box 22009 Charleston, SC 29413 | In Person Revenue Collection Office 2 George Street Charleston, SC 29401 |
Please note to transition to the new software system the City of Charleston’s Revenue Collections – Business License Office will be closed on Monday, January 4th. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 5th at 8:30 AM.